Looking forward to seeing a Tom Brady
JANG JOO-YOUNGThe author is a national news editor of the JoongAng Ilbo.
A veteran player who announced his retirement revoked his words and decided to come back. But people are welcoming and cheering him as if they were waiting for the announcement. If it was someone else, he would have been criticized for changing his mind. Perhaps, this change of heart was only possible because it’s Tom Brady, a living legend in American football.
Considered one of the best players in NFL history, Brady announced his retirement on Feb. 2. He wrote on social media that it was hard to say, but he had to do it now. But on March 14, some 40 days later, he wrote on Twitter, “These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands.” He clearly stated that he was coming back for a 23rd season. His team, fans and media welcomed the return of the legend.
Tom Brady is the best quarterback in history, winning seven Super Bowls, three NFL MVPs and five Super Bowl MVPs over the past 22 years. Retired brothers Payton and Eli Manning and other outstanding players were mentioned as his rivals, but as time went by, the rivalry faded and Brady become more prominent. He played for longer than anyone, accumulated stunning records, and became untouchable.
Was his long and successful career thanks to natural talent? Brady is not from a family with a glorious football legacy and outstanding genes like the Mannings, where the father and three sons are NFL stars. Starting as a little-known player, Brady joined the New England Patriots at No. 199 in the 2000 draft.
He was considered to be “addicted to training” and enhanced his ability with effort. He does not drink coffee and alcohol and eats a strict diet with no sugar or additives. That was the secret of his success even against young players in their 20s while he edged into his 40s.
Brady’s position, quarterback, is the commander and leader of the team. Strategies begin and are perfected at his hands. It is a position with great responsibility.
I hope our society will have many leaders who keep their organizations running with strict self-control and constant hard work like Tom Brady. I look forward to one day seeing a great leader who is obliged to reverse the announcement of their retirement due to the people’s never-ending affection.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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